Slovenia Holds Referendum On Gay Adoptions

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) — Slovenia held a referendum Sunday on a new family law, which includes a highly contested clause allowing same-sex couples to adopt children in some cases.

The law — opposed by conservatives close to the Catholic Church — would allow gay couples to adopt the biological children of their partners. It does not allow the adoption of children from a third party.

Unlike its Balkan neighbors Serbia and Croatia — where gays often face verbal and physical abuse — the small Alpine nation and European Union member is relatively tolerant toward homosexuals. In 2006, Slovenia allowed official registration of same-sex relationships.

Opinion polls showed voters are likely to endorse the law, despite strong opposition from a conservative group which collected 40,000 signatures in February to call the referendum. It argued that the law is against traditional family values and that gay couples should not be allowed any adoption rights.

Roman Catholic, Serbian Orthodox and Muslim communities in Slovenia have also jointly signed a petition ahead of the referendum, asking Slovenes to reject the law.

“Marriage and family are of utmost importance for the development of the human person and society,” the petition said. “For this reason we all have an obligation to protect the values of marriage and of family as a community of a husband and a wife, and children.”

Those arguing in favor of the new law say the gay adoption clause has been unfairly thrust into the public focus in the months leading to the referendum, overshadowing other provisions which further protect children rights in general.

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Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia.